Hyggehiking Bronx Forests, Islands, & Aqueducts

On Saturday May 11th, We'll be traversing the forests, gardens, hills, islands, and aqueducts of the Bronx, starting at Wave Hill Garden and ending with dinner at City Island.

Here's my Google Maps list of the specific places we'll endeavor to traverse: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LUtPZyw5BgXd1AsE9?g_st=i

We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them whenever you please.

FYI this is a 12-hour stroll, and you are free to join us at *any* point in the day 🙌

All RSVP'd "yes" and "maybe" attendees will receive a link at 10am to my realtime location for the entire day, along with my phone number, so you can see exactly where we are on google maps and call me directly if you need help 🤗

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🥾 ABOUT HYGGE 🥾

Hygge means "a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being." 

"Hyggehiking" is my own special blend, where we engage in that conviviality while trekking through green spaces throughout our city. I host Hygge gatherings so we can come together to make new friends, discuss fun projects we're eager to work on, dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, and meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community. We bring our friends, family, coworkers, anyone we think would enjoy spending the day alongside a variety of curious souls. 

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🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️

10am-1pm — Wave Hill Public Garden 

✨This spot has some of my favorite trees in NYC, beautiful views of the Hudson, and surprisingly good food. Their spring blooms are 🤌🤌🤌. This is the only element of the hike with an entry cost ($10). 

1pm-4pm — Van Cortlandt Park, Old Croton Aqueduct, Shoelace Park, Bronx River Forest 

✨ Yes, Van Cortlandt Park is a real place, not just a mythical destination marker on MTA's 1 train. Let's wander through its trails! We may happen upon horse stables and scenic rock outcroppings.

4pm-8pm — Pelham Bay Park, Two Tree Island, Orchard Beach, Turtle Cove Golf Center 

✨ Yes, there's also a park at the end of MTA's 6 train! And yes, the Bronx has at least once beach, and we're gonna try to find it. If our feet need a break, we can avail ourselves of nearby batting cages and driving ranges.

8pm-10pm — City Island Fishing Village, Seafood City 

✨ I somehow managed to find a food court in City Island, so I want to check it out. There are arcade games and outdoor seating right by the water, so hopefully we'll get a nice warm evening. 

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🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒

• comfy shoes

• seeds, nuts, bird calls

• jacket

• light blanket

• friends 🥰

• cash

• sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

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👋🏼ABOUT YOUR HOST👋🏼 

I'm Steve Dean, an NYC-based* community builder, dating/relationship coach, and experience designer. I host salons, dinners, hikes, meetups, webinars, and coworking sessions across multiple cities in order to bring people together from all over the world to share their stories and build new friendships, startups, relationships, and movements. If you're curious about my more experimental/artistic side, venture to stevedean.fun.

*I'll be moving to Philly on June 1, 2024 to be closer to bio fam nearby, and to build a cozy coliving community with chosen fam in West Philly across two adjacent homes with shared yards! We've got 4 of us together already, with space for 4 more. Let me know if you (and/or a friend) may be moving and think it would be rad to live together! Never fear, I plan to return to NYC regularly to continue hyggehiking!

I've also started blogging regularly on substack as part of a dating & relationship library I'm building up: https://stevedean.substack.com.

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💸TIP YOUR HOST💸

This hike is pay-what-you-can. (Suggested: $20)

Venmo: @stevenmdean

PayPal: @stevedean

CashApp: $stevenmdean